Few countries can match the historic and rich culture of Greece, a key contributor to the world’s art and architecture. So by all means see the Acropolis and Parthenon, but also leave room for downtime on a Greek Isle, in a HotelTravel.com-booked room.
Planning a holiday in Greece is much like taking a trip back in time, to the very beginning of civilisation as we know it. Even the name evokes visions of turquoise-blue seas, whitewashed stone houses, ancient ruins, mythical gods, and centuries-old palaces. Hotels in Greece range from the luxurious and modern to small seasonal chalets. Summer tourists are advised to book accommodation well in advance.
Greece has made more contributions to our culture, philosophy, science and art than just about any other Western society. Visitors to Greece are spoilt for choice as there are unlimited number of ancient ruins to explore and relics to admire in its many museums. Athens, the capital of Greece, offers all kinds of sights, such as the Acropolis Parthenon ruins and the Attica area that surrounds it. Nightlife in Athens is fast-moving, and the Greeks love to party until the sun comes up!
From Athens, one can take short ferry excursions to surrounding isles, including Santorini Island, Mykonos and Crete, which features the ancient city ruins of Hania and Knossos. Resorts located on the Ionian, Aegean and Mediterranean Seas offer an incredible array of choices for travellers, drawing holiday-makers from all over the world. White, sandy beaches on pristine shimmering blue waters are plentiful and whether one seeks solitude or a fast paced nightlife- and everything in between- you can find it in Greece.
A visit to Greece is not complete without a stop in Olympia, the fabled birthplace of the first Olympic games. Situated in the Peloponnesus Valley, about 200 kilometres from Athens, the site offers a variety of famous ruins to see, including the hippodrome and the majestic temple of Zues. Another favorite spot for travellers to Greece is Delphi, and ancient city located on Mount Parnassus that symbolized the Greek world and was considered the centre of the universe. The oracle for the god Apollo was believed to have resided in Delphi during ancient times.
Greece is becoming an increasingly popular vacation destination, ranking in the top 20 countries worldwide. One can expect all the modern conveniences of a contemporary European nation, along with glorious relics of ancient empires.
- About Greece
- Acropolis in Athens
- Activities for Children in Greece
- Activities in Greece
- Agia Roumeli
- Airports in Greece
- Ancient Olympia
- Apokries
- Athens street
- Benaki Museum
- Bouzouki Music
- Car Rental in Greece
- Cycladic Art
- Fishing in Greece
- Flight to Greece
- Golf Course in Greece
- Greece Accommodation
- Greece Bank
- Greece Climate
- Greece Currency
- Greece Currency
- Greece Festivals
- Greece History
- Greece Information
- Greece Restaurant
- Greece Shopping
- Greece Sports
- Greece Tour
- Greece Tourism
- Greece Vacation
- Greece Visa
- Greece Wine
- Greek Carnival Week
- Greek Culture
- Greek Easter
- Greek Embassy
- Greek Ferry Schedule
- Greek Food
- Greek Independence Day
- Greek Islands
- Greek Railway
- Greek Restaurant
- Greek Taverna
- Hellenic Festival
- Hiking in Greece
- Minotaur Labyrinth
- Monastiraki Flea Market
- Mount Athos
- Mount Parnassus
- Olympic Airlines
- Omphalos
- Palace of Knossos
- Parthenon in Athens
- Paska
- Retsina
- Samaria Gorge
- Sanctuary of Apollo
- Scuba Diving in Greece
- Sightseeing in Greece
- St Basil Church
- Story of Daedalus and Icarus
- Syntagma Square
- Theatre of Epidaurus
- Theseus and the Minotaur
- Things to do in Greece
- Time in Greece
- Traditional Greek Food
- Weather in Greece
For enhanced city views, please select a map!
Greece conjures up exotic images of white-washed houses, shimmering blue sea, ancient palaces, and mythical creatures. Its many contributions in philosophy, science and art have spread all over the world as the genesis of Western culture. Days can be spent lazing along tranquil shores, exploring the countryside and museums, marvelling at ancient sites, and dining on delicious cuisine. Evenings are enjoyed under magical moonlight or partying until dawn. Whatever you are seeking, Greece is likely to supply.
Acropolis and Agora (Athens)
Kids will be impressed when they see the Acropolis, with its ancient ruins and dramatic hilltop location. There's much more to see than just the Parthenon. Don't try to cram everything into one day - try to spread things out and come back on different days. Get to the Acropolis early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Then again, in ancient Athens, it was also a busy place. In summer, bring water bottles, wear sun screen and hats. There are lots of slippery surfaces - wear sturdy shoes or sandals with straps.
Carnival
The Carnival or Apokries is celebrated for three weeks from 31 January to 22 February. Joyful dancing and feasting take place before the Lenten Monday (Katharí Dheftera). Important celebrations take place in Patra, Xanthi and Cephalonia with chariot parade and costume parties.
Athens
The capital city of Greece is dominated by the historical hill of the Acropolis, site of the 2400 year old Parthenon, one of the most famous monuments in the world. Spread around the Acropolis is the old quarter town of Plaka, famed for its flea market, craft shops, small taverns and narrow winding alleys. Nearby are the Theatre of Dionysus and the restored Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a superb theatre which hosts open-air performances of the Hellenic Festival and August Full Moon Festival . The ruins of Ancient Agora and its Agora Museum are also places of interest. The centre of modern Athens, especially Kolonaki, has many designer boutiques, sophisticated restaurants and international-class hotels. The city has a thriving nightlife, with most bars and clubs staying open until at least 3am.
Air
Athens International Airport (ATH) handles most international flights to Greece. ATH also goes by the name of Elfetherios Veniselos (www.aia.gr) and is located 25km from the city. Airport facilities include duty free shops, car hire (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar and Sixt), banks, cash machines, currency exchange, bar and restaurant facilities, post office, business centre and hotel.
The Euro is now the official currency of Greece. Notes are in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 Euro. Coins are in denominations of 2 and 1 Euro; and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Reception staff were exceedingly helpful and friendly. Room was nice and large, bathroom and plumbing excellent. Quiet hotel. Communal areas could do with a little re-decoration....
